Violent protests in Gaza ahead of U.S. Embassy inauguration in Jerusalem

Palestinians sling stonesin the West Bank city of Bethlehem during clashes with Israeli troops during a protest against the U.S. decision to relocate its embassy to Jerusalem, May 14, 2018. (Photo: Majdi Mohammed/AP)

Violent protests in Gaza ahead of U.S. Embassy inauguration in Jerusalem

Israeli troops shot dead dozens of Palestinian protesters on the Gaza border on Monday when the high-profile opening of the U.S. embassy to Israel in Jerusalem by the Trump administration raised tension to boiling point after weeks of demonstrations.

In the bloodiest single day for Palestinians since 2014, Palestinian Health Ministry officials said 58 protesters were killed and 2,700 injured by live gunfire, tear gas or other means.

The bloodshed drew calls for restraint from some countries, including France and Britain, and stronger criticism from others, with regional power Turkey calling it “a massacre”.

The White House declined to join in urging Israel to exercise caution and pinned the blame squarely on Gaza’s ruling Hamas group, backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who described the Israeli military’s actions as self-defense of his country’s borders. (Reuters)